Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Where Silver meets Gold.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National park is less popular compared to Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest national park.
Mgahinga, unlike Bwindi, is a much smaller national park gazetted in 1991. The park is approximately 33 sq. Km (13sq.mi) in size and is located along the great Virunga-ridge bordering Rwanda and DR.Congo.
Things to see and do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Gorilla Trekking.
- Golden Monkey trekking.
- Volcanoe hikes.
- Caldera Walk.
Best time to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking In Mgahinga can be done all-year-round but the best time to go is in the dry season months of June to August and December to January. At this time the forest trails tend to be drier and a lot easier to trek. Trekking in the drier season my give you a better experience and perhaps a lot better photographic time.
Where to stay in Mgahinga National Park.
There is only one (01) upmarket property situated very close to the park offices. Gahinga Lodge delivers luxury services to its guest. Travellers on a low-budget may consider staying at smaller establishments in and around Kisoro town which is a mere 51 Km (35 minutes) drive away.
Some recommended moderately priced mid-range places to stay while on a safari to Mgahinga Gorilla Park include: Lake Mulehe Safari lodge – overlooking the picturesque Lake Mulehe, Lake Mutanda Resort, and the budget-friendly Mucha resort whose location by the main road is a downside but might.
Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
From Kampala: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies 15km from the small town of Kisoro along a rough ascent road (allow 40 minutes). A 4WD vehicle is recommended for this road at all times and is essential in the Wet seasons (from February to May and September to November). The park is 510km(317mi) from Kampala which lasts at least nine (09) hours.
It is also possible to take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. Domestic flights between parks will most likely be booked by your tour operator as part of your safari package. Aerolink offers daily morning flights depart Entebbe to Kisoro.
From Kigali (Rwanda): The practical alternative to skipping the 09-hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala is opting to fly-into Kigali (Rwanda) and then drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National park. The drive from Kigali to Mgahinga will last approximately 5-hours including border crossing time.